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Azharuddin Backs ICC's "Right Decision" to Replace Bangladesh with Scotland

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has endorsed the ICC's decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The move follows the Bangladesh Cricket Board's refusal to play its matches in India, citing security concerns which the ICC found unsubstantiated. After weeks of failed negotiations, the ICC confirmed Scotland's entry as the highest-ranked T20I side not originally qualified. The decision stems from a broader dispute involving player releases and bilateral tensions.

Key Points: Azharuddin Supports ICC Replacing Bangladesh with Scotland

  • ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland
  • Azharuddin supports strict action
  • BCB refused to play in India
  • Security concerns cited, then rejected
  • Scotland is highest-ranked non-qualifier
2 min read

"ICC has made the right decision": Mohammad Azharuddin on Scotland replacing Bangladesh in T20 World Cup

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin says ICC made the right call to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026 over security row.

"The ICC has made the right decision on replacing Bangladesh with Scotland. - Mohammad Azharuddin"

Hyderabad, January 24

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has supported the International Cricket Council decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

"The ICC has made the right decision on replacing Bangladesh with Scotland. I feel that strict action must be taken. Because until you are strict, until you take action, I don't think the work will be equal," the former Indian captain told ANI.

Before ICC's official announcement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had requested ICC to shift their matches outside India to Sri Lanka, citing "security and safety concerns" for their players.

BCB's request came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had instructed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur from their squad ahead of the 2026 season, amid violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

After this, ICC rejected the BCB's request to move their matches out of India for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup via video conference, which was convened to discuss the way forward.

The BCB President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, then confirmed that the BCB stands firm in its decision not to play its ICC Men's World Cup matches in India, following the ICC's rejection of its request.

After weeks of talks between the ICC and the BCB, the ICC released a statement on Saturday saying that Bangladesh had been replaced by Scotland in the upcoming marquee tournament.

The announcement came after the ICC, in the absence of any credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh national team in India, rejected the BCB's demand to move its matches in the 20-team tournament to be played from February 7 to March 8.

Scotland is the highest-ranked T20I side not to originally qualify for the tournament. They are currently ranked 14th, ahead of seven teams already in the tournament: Namibia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal, the United States of America (USA), Canada, Oman and Italy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support the ICC's stance, I feel a bit sad for the fans. India-Bangladesh matches are always thrilling. But you can't make baseless allegations about security in another country and then expect special treatment. Sports and politics should stay separate.
R
Rohit P
This is the right message to send. No board can make unreasonable demands without evidence. Also, Scotland is a good team, it will be interesting to see them in a World Cup. Their fans are passionate too!
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I've always felt safe at stadiums. The security is top-notch. It's disappointing that the BCB used this as an excuse. Happy for Scotland though!
V
Vikram M
The whole issue started with BCCI asking KKR to release Mustafizur. That was a board-to-board directive based on the situation in Bangladesh. BCB's reaction seems more like retaliation than a real concern. ICC called their bluff. Fair play.
K
Karthik V
I respectfully disagree with Azharuddin here. While rules are rules, losing a full member nation like Bangladesh weakens the tournament. ICC should have tried harder for diplomacy. This sets a bad precedent for future disputes.
N
Nisha Z

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